Device for combining and mixing liquids

ABSTRACT

A device for combining and mixing liquids and particularly for mixing an additive such as fertilizer with water. First and second concentric cylindrical chambers are provided with a water inlet to and an outlet from the inner chambers. A restricted venturi throat is provided at the inlet to the inner chamber so as to develop a pressure differential across it. A connection is provided from the inlet side of the restricted throat into the second chamber and from the second chamber back to the inner chamber beyond the restricted throat. A flow of water is enforced through the second chamber which contains the additive such as fertilizer which is turbulated, entrained, and then carried into the outlet stream of water.

United States Patent Winton 1 Aug. 21, 1973 Germany 137/268 II'IIVPrimary Examiner-Henry T. Klinksiek Assistant Examiner-Robert J. MillerAttorney-Albert M. Herzig and Edward C. Walsh [57] ABSTRACT A device forcombining and mixing liquids and particularly for mixing an additivesuch as fertilizer with water. First and second concentric cylindricalchambers are provided with a water inlet to and an outlet from the innerchambers. A restricted venturi throat is provided at the inlet to theinner chamber so as to develop a pressure differential across it. Aconnection is provided from the inlet side of the restricted throat intothe second chamber and from the second chamber back to the inner chamberbeyond the restricted throat. A flow of water is enforced through thesecond chamber which contains the additive such as fertilizer which isturbulated, entrained, and then carried into the outlet stream of water.

8 Claims, 5 Drawing Figures PATENTEUAUGZI I973 m a w z N! w I f Eli/4 Ww 3 r M I it Md m /W i i m H /l ll] [Whi 1 DEVICE FOR COMBINING ANDMIXING LIQUIDS SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention is an improved andsimplified device for entraining an additive into a stream of liquidsuch as water. In the exemplary form of the invention as described indetail herein, it is adapted as an improved automatic device forentraining an additive such as fertilizer into a stream of water usedfor irrigation. The invention could be adapted for entrainment of othermaterials into other liquids.

In the exemplary form of the invention, it is highly adapted for use inirrigation systems for adding the fertilizer or chemical to theirrigation water. It is of course desirable that simple means beavailable for accomplishing this purpose and with minimum effort on thepart of the user. The device provides a device which accomplishes thispurpose.

The exemplary form of the invention takes the form of a unit orcartridge that can be simply connected into the line leading into theirrigation water distribution system. In the preferred form, the unit orcartridge is in the form of a first tubular chamber centrally positionedwithin a cylindrical housing providing a second chamber which is annularbetween the first chamber and the housing. An inlet water connection ismade to one end of the unit or cartridge and an outlet water connectionis made at the other end. Provided in the inlet to the first chamber,there is a restricted venturi throat so that a drop in pressure isproduced across this throat. There is provided ahead of the throat atubular connection from the inlet to the second chamber, that is, theannular chamber. Further connection is provided by way of an orificewhich provides communication from the annular chamber to the firstchamber on the downstream side of the restricted venturi throat. Becauseof the pressure drop across the throat, flow of water is forced from theinlet through the annular chamber and back into the stream of water onthe downstream side. The additive, which is the fertilizer is providedin the annular chamber wherein it is entrained with the liquid, mixed,turbulated, and then fed into the stream of water going into the system.

Preferably, additional chamber means are provided for admitting measuredquantities of additive or fertilizer to the second chamber.

In the light of the foregoing, the primary object of the invention is toprovide a simplified, inexpensive, but very effective unit or cartridgefor accomplishing the purpose of entraining an additive into a liquidsuch as fertilizer into irrigation water or the like.

A further object is to provide a device as in the foregoing objectcomprised simply of a first tubular chamber concentrically positionedwithin a cylindrical housing providing an annular turbulating and mixingchamber.

Another object is to provide a device as in the foregoing wherein 'arestricted venturi throat is provided in the inlet to the inner chamberso that a pressure drop is provided across it with connections providingfor flow of liquid from the upstream side of the venturi throat to thedownstream side through the annular chamber for entraining and mixingthe fertilizer with the water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Further objects and additionaladvantages of the invention will become apparent from the followingdetailed description and annexed drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of the invention embodied in an irrigationsystem,

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view of a preferred form of the invention;

FIG. 3 is perspective view, partly broken away of the invention shown inFIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a partially broken away perspective view of a modified form ofthe invention; and

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of FIG. 4.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1 of thedrawings, a preferred form of the unit or cartridge of the invention isdesignated generally at 10 connected in an irrigation system suppliedwith water by way of pipe 12, and a connection pipe 14. In this pipe isa manual valve 16 controlling flow through a fitting 18 which is coupledto the upper end of the unit 10 by way of pipe 20. The outlet pipe fromthe cartridge is designated at 22 and it connects to the irrigationsystem shown in outline, there being branch connections to varioussprinkler heads.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the unit 10 in greater detail. These figuresshow a preferred construction of the invention. As shown in thesefigures, there is provided an inner elongated tubular member 30 having abore 32 forming a first chamber. This member may be made from plastic ormetal or other suitable material. The upper end part of the bore isdesignated by 32', there being a short bore forming a restricted venturithroat as designated at 34 between the bore portions 32 and 32'. At theupper end of bore 32', is a threaded counterbore 36 which receives theconnecting pipe 20. The upper end of the member 30 is externallythreaded as shown at 40. There is a flange 42 adjacent to which is anannular groove which receivesan O-ring 46.

Communicating with the bore 32' is transverse bore 50 connecting withcounterbore 52 to which is fitted the end of tubular pipe connection 54which will be referred to again presently. Numeral 60 designates atransverse bore or port communicating with bore 32, and the exterior ofthe member 30 and which will be referred to again presently.

The lower end part of member 30 is of enlarged cylindrical form asdesignated at 64. The upper part of the end portion 64 as shown at 66 isof smaller diameter, there being a shoulder 68 between these portions.Formed in the upper part 66 is an annular groove 72 receiving a sealingO-ring 74.

Numeral 78 designates a cylindrical container housing which may be madeof plastic or of other suitable material which has a top part 80 with abore or opening 82 in it. The upper end of part 30 extends through thisbore, and the part 30 is clamped to the cylinder 78 by nut 86 with theinner edges of the bore 82 in the top 80 sealing against the O-ring 46in the annular groove 44.

The lower end of the cylindrical casing or housing 78 is open and it hasan inner diameter to fit down over the upper portion 66 at the bottom ofpart 30 as to engage the shoulder 68 and to seal against the O-ring 74as shown. As may be observed, the housing 78 and the inner member 30provide an annular chamber between them. Tube 54 extends down to thelower part of the annular chamber between parts 30 and 78.

Numeral 90 designates a measuring cup or funnel with which the liquidadditive can be filled and transferred to the annular chamber around theinner member 30. This cup is threaded into a fitting 92 which has a bore94 extending through a threaded nipple 96 on the fitting, which isthreaded into a threaded bore in the top 80 of the housing 78. Thefitting 92 has a valve in it formed by a rotatable stem 100 having abore 102 in it which can be moved angularly to cmplete or open thepassageway from the cup 90 to the bore 94 into the annular chamberaround member 30. On the end of the stem 100 is a manual actuatinghandle 104.

The operation of the device as so far described is as follows. Measuredamounts of liquid additives such as fertilizer can be placed into thecup or funnel 90, and valve 100 is then opened to allow this measuredamount of additive to drain down into the annular chamber between thecasing 78 and the member 30. The device is coupled into the water linesand 22 as described and as shown to allow the water to flow to it. Therestricted venturi throat 34 causes a pressure differential to appear orbe produced across it. It enforces a flow of incoming water from theline 20 into the tubular connection 54 and down into the lower part ofthe annular chamber. Then, this water turbulates and mixes with theadditive and entrains the additive. Then, the mixture flows inwardlythrough the channel or port 60 and back into the bore 32 in part andthen flows out through the outlet connection 22.

Thus, it is to be seen that although the device is of very simpleconstruction, it is economical to fabricate. Nevertheless, it providespressure induced circulating flow and part of the water flow agitatesand entrains the fertilizer and turbulates the mixture. It then bringsit back into the water line, being discharged through the branches tothe spray heads.

FIGS. 4 and 5 show a modified form of the invention which differs incertain respects. Corresponding parts are identified by the samereference characters primed, the foregoing description being applicablewhenever suitable and appropriate.

The inside surface of the container 78 has a helical vane in it toinsure rotary circulation and turbulation of the water and additivewithin the container. The bottom 64 of member 30' fits into the bottomend of the container 78'.

The top part of the part 30 is formed as the body 1 12, the lower edgeof which has an annular cutout as shown at 114 which forms a squareshoulder. The top edge of the container 78' fits into this annular cutout as shown with the outside surfaces being flush. The body 1 12 iscylindrical, having the same outside diameter as the container 78. Thebody 112 is integral with the part 30 and constitutes the upper part ofif as shown. Formed in this body part is an annular cavity which is inthe material around the bore 32'. This cavity at one end having aslanting bottom surface is designated at 116 in FIG. 4. The top end ofthe body 112 is closed by a disc 120, peripheral portions of which fitinto an annular cut-out 122, on the inside of the cavity previouslydescribed. This disc has two oppositely disposed cut-outs or openings init. These openings have radial side edges with arcuate side edgesextending between the radial edges. The cavity in one part of the body112 has a flat bottom as designated at 126. Numeral 128 designates abore providing communication between the cavity and the annular chamberwithin the casing 78'. Numeral 130 designates a manually operable valvemember in the form of a cylindrical stem having a flat cylindrical part132 and extended threaded part 134 which can thread into the bore 128,there being additional semi-circular bores equally spaced around theperiphery of the bore 128, as designated at 136. On the lower side ofthe flat circular part 132, there is a sealing O-ring which can seat onthe bottom 126 of the cavity. At the upper end of the stem of the valve130, there is a knob 140.

Numeral 142 designates a cylindrical cap or cover with an edge flangewhich can fit down over the top of the cylindrical body 1 12. It has twooppositely disposed openings in it, one of which is designated at 146.These openings have radial side edges and arcuate side edges extendingbetween the radial side edges as shown. This cap is rotatable in orderto bring its openings or cutouts into registry with similar openings orcut-outs in the disc 120. This provides access for pouring liquidadditive through the registering openings into the top cavity in thebody 112 and also allowing access to the manual knob for turning thevalve member 130 to open it, that is, to move the flat circular part 132away from its seat on the bottom 126 of the cavity to allow the additiveto run down into the additive chamber through the bores 136 previouslydescribed.

From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will readily understand theconstruction and operation of the modification of FIGS. 4 and 5, theoperation being like that of the previous modification. In thismodification, the measured amount of liquid additive is put directlyinto the cavity provided in the body 112 as described. Then, after themeasured amount is put in, it can be allowed to run directly down to theannular chamber inside of casing 78' by opening valve 130.

From the foregoing, those skilled in the art will readily understand thenature and construction of the invention and the manner in which itachieves and realizes all of the objects and advantages as set forth inthe foregoing.

The foregoing disclosure is representative of preferred forms of theinvention and is to be interpreted in an illustrative rather than alimiting sense, the invention to be accorded the full scope of theclaims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:

1. A device for entraining an additive into a stream comprising: meansforming a first liquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamberconcentrically around the first chamber; means forming an inlet to saidfirst chamber; means providing a restricted throat for liquid enteringthe first chamber whereby a pressure differential is established acrossthe throat; means providing communication of liquid downwardly from saidinlet to said second chamber ahead of said throat; and means providingcommunication upwardly in said second chamber to said first chamber onthe downstream side of said restricted throat whereby liquid circulatingthrough said second chamber entrains additive contained therein andcarries it into the stream of liquid on the downstream side of therestricted throat.

2. A device as in claim 1, having tubular means for conveying liquidfrom said inlet to an end part of said second chamber.

3. A device as in claim 1, including means to enforce turbulation andmixing of liquid and additive in said second chamber.

4. A device for entraining an additive into a stream comprising: meansforming a first liquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamber;centrically around the first chamber; means forming an inlet to saidfirst chamber; means providing a restricted throat for liqud enteringthe first chamber whereby a pressure differential is established acrossthe throat; means providing communication of liquid from said inlet tosaid second chamber ahead of said throat; and means providingcommunication from said second chamber to said first chamber in thedownstream side of said restricted throat whereby liquid circulatingthrough said second chamber entrains additive contained therein andcarries it into the stream of liquid on the downstream side of therestricted throat, and funnel means for containing additive and a meansproviding communication from the funnel means for allowing the additiveto drain into said second chamber.

5. A device as in claim 1, wherein said first chamber is of elongatedtubular construction and said second chamber is of cylindrical formsurrounding said first chamber providing an annular chamber in between.

6. A device for entraining an additive into a stream comprising: meansforming a first liquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamber:centrically around the first chamber; means forming an inlet to saidfirst chamber; means providing a restricted throat for liquid enteringthe first chamber whereby a pressure differential is established acrossthe throat; means providing communication of liquid from said inlet tosaid secod chamber ahead of said throat; and means providingcommunication from said second chamber to said first chamber on thedownstream side of said restricted throat whereby liquid circulatingthrough said second chamber entrains additive contained therein andcarries it into the stream of liquid on the downstream side of therestricted throat, said means forming said second chamber comprisingpartition means forming a third chamber therein with control means forproviding communication of additive from the third chamber to saidsecond chamber.

7. A device as in claim 6 wherein said means forming said second chamberis cylindrical and means comprising a circular cap for one end thereof.

8. A device as in claim 7, including valve control means providingcommunication between said third and second chambers, said circular caphaving an opening therein and said cap being adjustable to a position toprovide access to said valve means.

1. A device for entraining an additive into a stream comprising: meansforming a first liquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamberconcentrically around the first chamber; means forming an inlet to saidfirst chamber; means providing a restricted throat for liquid enteringthe first chamber whereby a pressure differential is established acrossthe throat; means providing communication of liquid downwardly from saidinlet to said second chamber ahead of said throat; and means providingcommunication upwardly in said second chamber to said first chamber onthe downstream side of said restricted throat whereby liquid circulatingthrough said second chamber entrains additive contained therein andcarries it into the stream of liquid on the downstream side of therestricted throat.
 2. A device as in claim 1, having tubular means forconveying liquid from said inlet to an end part of said second chamber.3. A device as in claim 1, including means to enforce turbulation andmixing of liquid and additive in said second chamber.
 4. A device forentraining an additive into a stream comprising: means forming a firstliquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamber; centricallyaround the first chamber; means forming an inlet to said first chamber;means providing a restricted throat for liqud entering the first chamberwhereby a pressure differential is established across the throat; meansproviding communication of liquid from said inlet to said second chamberahead of said throat; and means providing communication from said secondchamber to said first chamber in the downstream side of said restrictedthroat whereby liquid circulating through said second chamber entrainsadditive contained therein and carries it into the stream of liquid onthe downstream side of the restricted throat, and funnel means forcontaining additive and a means providing communication from the funnelmeans for allowing the additive to drain into said second chamber.
 5. Adevice as in claim 1, wherein said first chamber is of elongated tubularconstruction and said second chamber is of cylindrical form surroundingsaid first chamber providing an annular chamber in between.
 6. A devicefor entraining an addiTive into a stream comprising: means forming afirst liquid chamber; means forming a second liquid chamber: centricallyaround the first chamber; means forming an inlet to said first chamber;means providing a restricted throat for liquid entering the firstchamber whereby a pressure differential is established across thethroat; means providing communication of liquid from said inlet to saidsecod chamber ahead of said throat; and means providing communicationfrom said second chamber to said first chamber on the downstream side ofsaid restricted throat whereby liquid circulating through said secondchamber entrains additive contained therein and carries it into thestream of liquid on the downstream side of the restricted throat, saidmeans forming said second chamber comprising partition means forming athird chamber therein with control means for providing communication ofadditive from the third chamber to said second chamber.
 7. A device asin claim 6 wherein said means forming said second chamber is cylindricaland means comprising a circular cap for one end thereof.
 8. A device asin claim 7, including valve control means providing communicationbetween said third and second chambers, said circular cap having anopening therein and said cap being adjustable to a position to provideaccess to said valve means.